Why does my PC keep shutting down?

Q I own an Advent T9002 computer which is running Windows XP. About two weeks ago the computer closed down when it was in use.

When we restarted it, it ran for about 30 minutes and then closed down again. Whenever it closes down the fans are still running. Exactly the same thing happened again and the computer will not restart. No warning signs appear before it closes down.

Malcolm Andrews

A If it’s switching itself off without any warning and without going through the standard Windows shutdown procedure (in which the icons disappear from the screen, then the shutdown screen appears) it sounds like your computer has developed a hardware fault.

If your computer is still covered by a warranty you should contact the retailer immediately and get it looked at. If it’s not covered by a warranty it may still be possible to fix it yourself.

It could be something as simple as a component that has come loose from its fitting, in which case you can open the case and make sure everything is firmly seated in its socket.

If you’re not comfortable opening the computer’s case get a technically savvy friend or relative to do it, or take it to a local computer repair shop.

A more likely explanation, though, is that it’s overheating for some reason. If that’s the case you should get a qualified engineer at a computer repair shop to take a look at it.